More of these lads.

​No waistcoats please, but otherwise, go for it.

​I’ve started watching Peaky Blinders on Netflix. As a history buff, I am strongly enjoying the images of a inter-war Birmingham at its industrial peak. Workshop of the World, etc.

Ok granted, to live there then would be horrible. But if you visit Gas Street nowadays, the transformation is stunning. One hundred years on, you really can see how far we’ve come.

However, moving back to the matters of importance, I’ve become interested in the style of shirt that the main characters tend to go for, which strikes me as a quite Mod. It’s a penny collar, not button down or pointed, but curved and nicely contrasted, usually white against a striped background. 

However, I was wondering whether it just looks good because everyone else on the set is basically wearing sackcloth and he’s the only one wearing an actual jacket. Nevertheless, I do think it could be a concept to explore. Probably look good with a proper 3-button jacket, although I wouldn’t want to take on too many extra colours for the shirt itself - it seems to be a good piece based on its simplicity. Plus, leave an extra half cm on the neck to allow the top button to be done up without choking to death.

Might be one for the next iTailor order...…

I know it's an ad, but this is an extremely strong pic.

JFK is classic Ivy League, encapsulating that late 50s, early 60s optimism and style.

I've always admired his haircut too actually, but I'm just not sure I could cope without sideburns...

Pretty Green are doing this now.

It's an interesting take, would love to know what people think. Jury's out for me at the mo, but pushing the boundaries is always welcome.

With an Italian flavour...

Looking good.

A powerful blue/black (/grey) combo that I might have blogged about before, but was so good I posted again. Possibly iTailor mission, although often difficult to know when I’d wear it….

Meh, cross that bridge when I get there.

A strong combo, unusual areas of contrast.

So the shirt I designed has finally arrived. Read it and weep mofos - this is a glorious day.

It's taken a bit over a month I would say, to arrive and for it to be delivered, but now that it is here, I have already worn it twice. To have a glance over the design specs and get the full back story, visit the other posts here.

Otherwise, revel in the pics below. As usual, the quality is high and the material is not too thin or too thick, and fits essentially perfectly. And at a price you wouldn't find on the high street.

I am also fairly chuffed that the key standout feature (the sky blue "york" placket on the back across the shoulders) matches to the check's shade of blue.

Sittin' on the dock of the bay.

For when you just need something solid and reliable I guess...

​​Something phenomenal seems to be happening over at Oasis HQ at the moment. 

Despite constant crap about “we don’t remake records”, “I don’t want to look back” and all the other noteworthy phrases, it would appear Be Here Now is undergoing a bit of a makeover. 

Now regular readers will know that despite its reputation, I am actually a huge fan of the 3rd album. I recognise that it’s warped beyond belief, jammed full of extra rubbish and really fucking long, but at the base of it, there are some really solid tracks there. I just think a few people got carried away.

Anyway, so I am very excited to present my second discovery from Be Here Now: TNG. It’s a “demo” of Don’t Go Away that I would plausibly put on actual release. The vocals are a bit soft and we’ve got no visuals in this video below, but it sounds great.

Also Noel is on vocals, which is not what happens in the original release and lends the song a totally different vibe.

By the way, in case you didn't see the previous post looking at Oasis, they released a "Rethink" of D'You Know What I Mean a few months back, which is a leaner, meaner alternative to the original. Although now I've noticed there is a THIRD version of this song kicking around too, clocking in at only 5:44 that I didn't notice before. Seems worth a look.

I also had the idea of compiling an alternative album on my MP3 once I’ve got hold of all the demos and see what it sounds like to listen to as an album. I’ll get back to you on this.

I would also point out I’m not usually a fan of demo releases as they tend to be total garbage, just some pathetic voice strumming out some notes on an acoustic and barely reflective of the swagger of rock ‘n’ roll. But this is different, I’m sure you’ll agree.